Gene expression profiles of single human mature oocytes in relation to age.

Background: The development competence of human oocytes declines with increasing age. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of age on gene expression profile in mature human oocytes.

Methods: mRNA was isolated for whole genome gene expression microarray analysis from metaphase II (MII) oocytes donated by IVF or ICSI patients [10 women aged <36 years (younger) and five women aged 37-39 years (both inclusive) (older)] undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation.

Differences in gene expression of granulosa cells from women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with either recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone or highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin.

Objective: To investigate the differences in the gene expression profile of granulosa cells from preovulatory follicles after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or urinary human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) FSH.

Design: Prospective randomized study.

Setting: University-based facilities for clinical services and research.

Recombinant LH supplementation to recombinant FSH during the final days of controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization. A multicentre, prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

Background: The purpose of this multicentre, multinational trial was to study whether rLH supplementation to recombinant FSH (rFSH) during the late follicular phase increased pregnancy rates.

Methods: After down-regulation with nafarelin, 526 women were randomized on Day 1 of stimulation to use either rFSH (Gonal-F) alone (n = 261) or to continue after Day 6 of stimulation with both rFSH (Gonal-F) and rLH (Luveris) (n = 265) from Day 6. The starting dose of rFSH was 150-225 IU/day according to age below or above 35 years.

Mutation in apolipoprotein B associated with hypobetalipoproteinemia despite decreased binding to the low density lipoprotein receptor.

Mutations in apolipoprotein B (APOB) may reduce binding of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to the LDL receptor and cause hypercholesterolemia. We showed that heterozygotes for a new mutation in APOB have hypobetalipoproteinemia, despite a reduced binding of LDL to the LDL receptor. APOB R3480P heterozygotes were identified among 9,255 individuals from the general population and had reduced levels of apoB-containing lipoproteins.

Assisted reproduction in male cancer survivors: fertility treatment and outcome in 67 couples.

Background: Many male cancer survivors experience fertility problems due to antineoplastic treatment. We report the fertility outcome in 67 couples referred to assisted reproduction treatment (ART) because of male factor infertility due to cancer.

Methods: This was a retrospective study assessing the following parameters: diagnosis, cancer treatment, type of fertility treatment and type of sperm used, number of pregnancies and pregnancy outcome.